Want some fun Movie Date Ideas? It’s a classic – dinner and the movies. There’s no date quite like it. Movies are simple, easy, and help to take some of the pressure off of extensive conversation on a first date.
Whether it’s your first date or your 100th date, a good movie is always a good idea. But there are, of course, some things that you can do to take your date from a regular ol’ movie date to a “wow! That was amazing!” movie date. So today, let’s talk all things dinner and a movie.
Are Movies a Good First date?
Yes! We love movies as a date idea at any point in a relationship. As we said above, movies are a great way to take some of the pressure off of a first date. Why?
Because let’s face it, first dates can be awkward. Sometimes when we’re super nervous we lose our wording.
We might jumble our words or, even worse, have long, awkward silences that are sure to ruin our dreams of a second date. But at the movies, you don’t have to worry about that.
Just sit back and let the actors do all the talking!
With that being said, we sometimes struggle with dinner and a movie for a first date idea.
While we love going out to dinner when you’re a little more comfortable with each other, it can be awkward if the conversation isn’t flowing. So if it’s a first date, stick with just a movie. Save dinner for the second date.
Movie Date Ideas
Did you know that the classic movie date doesn’t have to be so classic after all? Yes, you can head to the movie theatre for your date – and that’s great – but in today’s world, there’s lots of other fun movie dates you can do too:
Drive-in Movie Theater
Okay, to be fair, this is probably the original classic movie date. A drive-in date is a great alternative to the theaters if you’re looking for something fun and different to do.
With that said, we don’t recommend the drive-in for a first date idea because it may be a little too personal.
Most people want to enjoy something public on the first date until they feel comfortable and safe, so maybe save the drive in for a few dates later.
Also, if you’re headed to the drive-in, be prepared to stay out late. Most drive-ins have a double feature, meaning you won’t finish your movies until 1:00 or 2:00 am.
Netflix and Chill
We’ve all done it – but now it’s time to do it with the potential love of your life. Sometimes the best movie dates are the ones where you don’t leave the house at all.
Throw on your pajamas, let your hair down, and enjoy a night together with a good movie on Netflix…or a fun TV show to binge.
The best thing about Netflix and chill is that you aren’t limited to a few movie choices.
There’s literally hundreds of different options to choose from and if you aren’t feeling a movie, you could opt for a documentary or series instead.
Again, we don’t recommend Netflix and chill for a first date as it may be a little too personal for some. Save this date for when you get to know someone better and feel comfortable being alone together.
Outdoor Movie Night
There are now tons of companies that will allow you to rent an outdoor movie screen.
Many will even come to your house and set up an entire outdoor theater in your own backyard! And if you can enjoy a movie under the stars – why the heck not!?
An outdoor movie night under the stars is the ultimate romantic gesture. Curl up under a blanket, pop some popcorn, and enjoy the alone time that comes along with this option.
Artsy Movies
There’s lots of movies that come out that we don’t hear about. And to be honest, some of those are the best movies out there!
So why not go on a date to watch some artsy films? Many campuses offer movie nights, as do specialty theaters.
If there’s a film festival in town, you could also catch lots of artsy films there – and you might even spot a celebrity too!
Dinner and a Movie
There’s dinner and a movie – but then there’s dinner and a movie. Okay, okay – we know you have no idea what we’re talking about right now, so allow us to explain.
When you go to a restaurant before a movie, that’s your traditional dinner and a movie. But if you really want to romance someone, why not get creative and have your own themed dinner and a movie night?
The best part about a themed dinner and a movie night is that you can create a theme for any movie.
Let’s say you’re going to watch Jurassic Park, you could have Tea-Rex tea with appetizers, and then Tricera-tip steak for your main.
Or you could do a Harry Potter movie night with Butter Beer to drink and Golden Snitch Cake Pops for desert.
Or do a whole Disney themed Disney date!
You get the point – if there’s a movie there’s a themed dinner you can create to go with it. And putting the thought and effort into a dinner like that is super romantic!
Movie At The Park
Sometimes your hometown may host a movie night, and it’s typically outdoors. We’ve been to movie nights on the beach in San Diego, and they have a Hollywood cemetery movie nights in Los Angeles!
Look for local parks, rooftops or other venues that offer outdoor movie screenings. Bring a blanket, some snacks, and enjoy the movie under the stars.
DIY Movie Theater Fort Date Night
Get cozy with your loved one and create a magical movie theater fort experience right in the comfort of your own home.
A DIY movie theater fort is an incredibly romantic and fun idea for a movie date night. Grab your blankets, pillows, fairy lights, and create a cozy fort together in your living room.
With your fort set up, choose a movie that you both love or pick a new release to enjoy together.
As you settle in for your movie night, snuggle up together in your fort and enjoy the magic of your DIY movie theater.
It’s the perfect way to spend a night together without having to leave the house. So get ready to unwind and relax in your very own personalized movie theater experience with your special someone.
Go To A Film Festival
Film festivals are an amazing opportunity to indulge in a shared love for movies with your potential partner. With countless films to choose from, you are sure to find something that caters to your mutual interests.
Immerse yourselves in a world of cinema, discover hidden gems, and enjoy the diverse range of movies showcased at the festival.
It’s an opportunity to explore different perspectives, engage in conversations, and even challenge each other’s opinions.
Plus, who wouldn’t want to dress up and walk the red carpet with their special someone? It’s a great excuse to look your best and make some unforgettable memories together.
Go On A Movie Tour
Obviously, living in Los Angeles, we have tons of movie locations and tours all around. But do you know how many movies were filmed in small towns?
Embark on a thrilling adventure with your loved one and take a movie tour of your favorite city or town.
You can visit the famous movie locations that have been featured in your favorite films and take pictures of yourselves re-enacting the scenes.
Immerse yourselves in the history and culture of the place and discover the lesser-known spots that have been used as movie sets. You’ll be amazed at how many locations you’ll recognize from your favorite films once you start exploring. Such a cute small town date idea if you know of a movie that was filmed in your area.
Movie Trivia Night
Plan a fun-filled evening of movie trivia right in the comfort of your own home. With snacks and drinks at the ready, challenge each other’s knowledge of the film world with a movie trivia night.
Create personalized categories and rounds of trivia questions based on your favorite films or movie genres. You can even use online resources or movie trivia games to add some extra fun to the night.
As you compete against each other, you’ll be amazed at how much you know (or don’t know) about the movies you love.
Other Movie Date Ideas
Dinner isn’t the only thing that pairs well with a movie! Here are some of our other favorite movie night pairings for a perfect date:
- Drinks after the movie
- An arcade date
- Bowling together before the movie for a little fun, competitive date
- Ice cream date after the movie
- Stroll around the neighborhood
- A nice hot bubble bath after the movie (for a sexy date for longer term couples)
- Couples game night after the movie
Of course, movies go well with pretty much anything. Whether you’re headed to the theatre or staying in, movies are always a great date!
Don’t be afraid to take your date to the next level by adding a small date before or after the movie, or by theming your entire date around the movie you’re going to watch!
Sara, a seasoned expert in wedding planning and date ideas, brings a wealth of experience to our couples blog. With a background in the television industry and hands-on involvement in a dozen weddings, including working as a wedding assistant on "My Fair Wedding with David Tutera," Sara has an innate understanding of the magic that makes weddings truly special. Growing up with four sisters has given her unique insights into the dating world, making her a go-to source for practical and heartfelt dating advice. Her knowledge and enthusiasm make her the perfect guide for couples seeking to infuse their relationships with creativity and love.